In the High Court at New Plymouth today, Justice Thomas said preventive detention is appropriate, given the length and severity of the offending, Rosewarne's lack of remorse, and reports indicating a high risk of his reoffending.

A dishevelled Rosewarne mumbled "liar" as victim impact reports outlining the depravity of his offending were read to the court.

Outside court, one of the women said she hoped the decision would help other women find the courage to come forward and report offending against them.

She said it was worth doing, no matter how long it might have been going on or how long ago it was.

She said families needed to look out for one another because women did not want to live with abuse.

The other woman said she was ecstatic at a fantastic outcome for them and their families.